Monday, 13 July 2009

The Dead Sea is now the only remaining Israeli contender in the competition to find the new 7 Wonders of the World among the 77 remaining worldwide contenders.

Tourism Minister Stas Meseznikov announced an international campaign for the Dead Sea to win the competition, by emphasizing the uniqueness of this natural wonder.

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, some 420 meters below sea level. Being nominated as a wonder would probably be more beneficial to this wonder than many others. Firstly, it is shrinking at an alarming rate of meters every year, and secondly, it is shared between the Israelis, Palestinians, and Jordanians meaning saving it is a coexistence priority for the three peoples.

Gura Berger, spokesman for the Megillot Dead Sea Regional Council, said that "part of the idea behind listing the Dead Sea for this competition was to raise international public awareness about this bad situation. I believe that winning is to be able to tell people that the Dead Sea is vanishing at a rate of more than a meter a year."

Berger said the municipality had organized a rock festival dedicated to helping the Dead Sea and "calling people to vote," as well as the "Tour of the Dead Sea" campaign and many other events.

"Winning in such a competition means a lot [not only] in terms of tourism, but also about caring for the environment," said Berger. "If we win, it means that we care where we live… and this is the real victory."

According to Amnon Lieberman, media adviser to the tourism minister, there is "no doubt [the nomination] will increase tourism and attract public attention from all over the world. This competition will allow us [also] to emphasize why the Dead Sea is so unique."

Asked whether he was optimistic about the final nomination of the Dead Sea, Lieberman said, "This candidacy is still lasting after a year. It has already been through two phases, and I hope that we will get to the final phase."

The voting for the final round will begin July 22 at www.new7wonders.com, and is expected to continue into 2011. Please vote and help to save this true wonder of the world.

TouristIsrael.com

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